News

Llanhilleth travelled to face the challenge of unbeaten league leaders Aberbargoed RFC for what was sure to be a massive test of our own promotion credentials, though narrowly defeated last time out, Llanhilleth wanted to build on the excellent team display shown against Division 3A leaders from the previous week in the WRU Bowl.

Llan came out of the blocks well and took the game to Aberbargoed and appeared to surprise the hosts with their intensity in the opening exchanges of the game. Llanhilleth took an early lead through a penalty goal by outside half Kyle Sterry. This was soon followed by five unanswered tries by right wing Alex Davies, left wing James Foreshaw, hooker Carl Hone, Fullback Luke Morgan and scrum half Conor Imms four of which were converted by outside half Kyle Sterry for a 36-0 lead.

To their credit though probably shell shocked Aberbargoed were next to score with a well taken try of their own out wide to make the score 36-5, but Llanhilleth finished the scoring going into the break with left wing James Foreshaw going over for his second try of the game again converted by outside half Kyle Sterry for a halftime score of Aberbargoed 5 Llanhilleth 43.

Aberbargoed were always going to regroup and had a much better second half playing down the slope and following making some replacements and positional changes, they were next on the scoreboard crossing for their second try to reduce the arrears to 43-10. Llanhilleth responded with a penalty goal through outside centre now moved to outside half Chris Stevens and a second try for right wing Alex Davies converted by outside half Chris Stevens taking the score to 53-10.

Aberbargoed had the final say though crossing for their third try which was converted to make the final score on the day of Aberbargoed 17 Llanhilleth 53.

Aberbargoed appeared to have an off day and unfortunately met a Llanhilleth side currently playing with a lot of confidence. They will look to put this behind them regroup and go again and will be in the mix come the final stages of the season. All at Llan wish Aberbargoed RFC all the best and we look forward to meeting up again later in the season for the return fixture.

Even though all of Llanhilleth’s starting fifteen and replacements played their part, special mentions go to Props Gavin Jones and Terry O’Brien, openside flanker Alec Teear, and Captain and second row Richard Phelps who were the pick of the forwards and scrum half Conor Imms, wings Alex Davies and James Foreshaw, and Man of the Match Fullback Luke Morgan who were the pick of the backs.

The coaches will now concentrate on getting the squad ready in training this week, as we look forward to our next league fixture this Saturday at home to Rhymney RFC, for what is sure to be another stern test as we look to avenge our earlier league defeat and look to push on in the league going into the second half of the season.